Acts 1:21
Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
Original Language Analysis
δεῖ
G1163
δεῖ
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
1 of 19
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
οὖν
Wherefore
G3767
οὖν
Wherefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 19
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συνελθόντων
which have companied
G4905
συνελθόντων
which have companied
Strong's:
G4905
Word #:
4 of 19
to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)
χρόνῳ
the time
G5550
χρόνῳ
the time
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
9 of 19
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
ᾧ
G3739
ᾧ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐφ'
among
G1909
ἐφ'
among
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
This criterion explains why Paul, called later, needed special validation as an apostle. The emphasis on continuous witness from John's baptism to the ascension established apostolic credibility.
Questions for Reflection
- Why was eyewitness testimony essential for apostolic authority?
- How does this principle inform your trust in Scripture's historical reliability?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The qualifications for apostolic replacement - 'companied with us all the time' - emphasized eyewitness testimony. The phrase 'beginning from the baptism of John' indicates the full scope of Jesus' public ministry. Apostolic authority required personal experience with the incarnate Christ.